Today I want to share my guide to the best cities for shopping in the UK with you. From London to Edinburgh and Bath, they range from national capitals to picture-pretty places. Each city has a unique scene that will draw out your inner shopping enthusiast, and they all show off the best of the United Kingdom’s retail offerings. Whether you’re looking to go somewhere with all the high street names or a city with independent boutiques, there’s a destination you’ll love. I’ve included a map, too.
Best Cities for Shopping in the UK
The British shopping cities on my list are some of the most popular places to browse and buy in the UK. From England to Scotland and beyond, they have a range of stores selling everything from clothing to souvenirs, home goods, books, and more.
I’ve visited all these cities and I can personally say to how impressive they are as shopping destinations. Each one offers a great mix of household names, independent numbers, department stores, and unique offerings.
Whether you want to take the perfect shopping trip to London or an indulgent retail therapy expedition to another city in the UK, you’ll find a place (or five) to get excited about.
1. London
I couldn’t write a blog post about the best cities for shopping in the UK without starting with London. The capital is one of the most famous places to shop in the world, and it’s well worth a visit.
London is home to a world-class retail scene. No matter what you’re interested in purchasing, you’ll find something to love in this city. From clothing to art, shoes, books, and souvenirs, London has it all.
If you need inspiration, I’ve published blog posts about the best things to buy in London and the top high streets in London. I’ve also created an entire itinerary for shopping in London and one that covers London for book lovers.
Additionally, I’ve written a lot about the best shopping streets in London. From Brick Lane in Spitalfields to the King’s Road in Chelsea, Bermondsey Street near London Bridge, Upper Street in Islington, Hampstead High Street, and Marylebone High Street, my posts will show you the highlights of the city’s shopping scene.
And that’s to say nothing of the markets. Whether you want to look for alternative finds and vintage goods at the famous Camden Market, let your taste buds be tempted at Borough Market, or explore the famous Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill, there are lots of great markets in London.
If you’re visiting towards the end of the year, there’s great Christmas shopping in London, too. From department stores to shopping arcades and Christmas markets, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
If this sounds like your kind of place to browse and buy, you can book accommodation here. I’ve also written about the best places to stay in London and the top quirky hotels in London if you want specific recommendations.
2. Edinburgh
Next on my list of the best cities for shopping in the UK is Edinburgh. The Scottish capital is not only one of the prettiest cities in Britain, but also one of the best for getting your retail fix.
Edinburgh is famous for selling everything from tartan souvenirs to whiskey and wool. There are plenty of high street shops on thoroughfares like Princes Street, and lots to browse on the Royal Mile.
If you love the UK’s famous department stores, you’ll also find an outpost of Harvey Nichols here. Like its London counterpart, it has a famous restaurant that makes for a great lunch spot on a day of shopping.
Other popular places include the St James Quarter shopping mall, Victoria Street with its Harry Potter shop (called Museum Context), and local areas like Morningside and Bruntsfield.
But what I really love about shopping in Edinburgh is the bookshops. From the famous Topping & Company Booksellers to the warren of dusty rooms at Armchair Books, there’s a lot to love about the literary scene in this city.
If Edinburgh sounds like your kind of place to shop, you can book accommodation here. I’ve stayed in the city many times and I love The George. It’s in an ideal location on George Street near Princes Street and Harvey Nichols. You can book a room here.
3. Bath
Bath is another of my favorite cities for shopping in the UK. Known for its beautiful Cotswold stone crescents and picture-pretty streets, it’s also one of the top places for unique retailers in Britain.
There are lots of independent shops in Bath that make the city worth a getaway. From swoon-worthy bookstores to vintage shops, there’s enough on offer to fill an entire weekend in Bath.
From the household names on Union Street to the boutiques on Pulteney Bridge and the stalls in the covered market, there’s no shortage of places to choose from. My free walking tour in Bath will take you to all of them and more.
If this sounds like your kind of place to shop, you can book a hotel in Bath here. I’ve stayed at The Yard in Bath and I love the rooms and atmosphere. You can book a room here.
4. Leeds
Next on my list of the best cities for shopping in the UK is Leeds. Before my first visit, I read that there was great a retail scene in Leeds. But it wasn’t until I arrived that I discovered just how how good it was.
Everything from the beautiful Victorian shopping arcades to Harvey Nichols and the stunning Corn Exchange impressed me. I discovered great independent shops and recognizable names alike, and I’ve been back a number of times since.
Shopping highlights of Leeds include the Victoria Quarter, Queens Arcade, and County Arcade, three of the city’s famous 19th-century shopping arcades. They’re worth a visit just to see their stunning interiors.
If you’re visiting during the run-up to December 25th, Leeds has a lot to offer when it comes to Christmas shopping. From markets to pop-ups, it’s one of the best places to visit at Christmas in the UK.
If this sounds like your kind of shopping trip, you can book a hotel in Leeds here. There are lots of options for accommodation in the city, and my top pick is Dakota Leeds. It’s right near Leeds Town Hall and the train station, and the rooms are beautiful. You can book your stay here.
5. York
Not far from Leeds, York is another of the best cities for shopping in the UK. As an added bonus, it’s also one of the top places in Britain for beautiful streets and old-world atmosphere.
From the shops in the narrow Snickelways to the high street names in the squares, there’s something exciting around every corner in York. Whether you’re looking for decadent chocolate or Harry Potter souvenirs, you’ll find it here.
From Parliament Street and Coney Street to Coppergate and The Shambles, there’s no shortage of places to browse and buy in this city. The Shambles Market is a fun spot, too.
If you’re visiting at the end of the year, the annual York Christmas markets are great places to shop in the city.
If you want to take this shopping trip, you can book a hotel in York here. My top pick for a place to stay is the Guy Fawkes Inn.
With four-poster beds and windows looking out onto York Minster, this notorious medieval criminal’s house-turned-secret-escape is hard to beat for atmosphere. You can book a room here.
6. Brighton
If you love the seaside, Brighton is one of the best cities for shopping in the UK. This coastal gem is known for its colorful streets and narrow lanes full of everything from antique jewelry shops to vintage clothing stores.
There are two main places I like to shop when I’m in Brighton. The first is North Laine.
This bohemian area is packed with narrow pedestrianized streets lined by colorful shops, restaurants, and cafes. Street art abounds, and Brighton’s alternative character shines through.
The second place I love to shop in Brighton is The Lanes. This area near the waterfront is full of narrow passageways packed with antique jewelry stores, cafes, and pubs. There’s a famous fudge shop here, too.
I love getting lost in the tangle of streets in The Lanes and seeing what kinds of stores I come across. From home goods to sweet treats, there’s always something that appeals to my senses.
Beyond these places, you can shop at the Churchill Square Shopping Centre, Marina Square, and London Road. It’s worth checking out the independent food, art, and craft stalls at the Brighton Open Market, too.
If this sounds like your kind of shopping getaway, you can book a hotel in Brighton here. I’ve stayed in many hotels here, and the Brighton Harbour Hotel and Spa is my favorite. I love its maritime decor and location on the waterfront. You can book a room here.
7. Oxford
Oxford is next on my list of the top cities for shopping in Britain. One of the most famous university cities in the UK, it also has a buzzing retail scene.
The historic Covered Market in Oxford is home to over 50 independent shops, cafes, bars. It’s a fun place to browse and pick up souvenirs to take home with you.
If you’re a fan of Alice in Wonderland, there’s a dedicated shop right across the street from Christ Church college. And that’s to say nothing of the collegiate shops on the High Street and the bookshops on Broad Street.
If you want to live like a local, head to Jericho. This part of Oxford doesn’t get many tourists, but it’s worth a wander for its independent bookstores, mouth-watering food shops, and colorful streets.
My free self-guided walking tour of Oxford will show you all these places and more. There are also spots like Westgate Oxford and the Clarendon Centre if you’re interested in malls.
If this sounds like your kind of place to shop, you can book a hotel in Oxford here. My top pick is the 17th-century Old Parsonage Hotel. This boutique beauty is a one-of-a-kind place to stay. You can book a room here.
8. Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Newcastle-upon-Tyne is another of the best cities for shopping in the UK. This urban hub in the north of England is a popular place for retail therapy in Britain.
If you want to find the high street names, Northumberland Street is a great place to start. It’s home to lots of recognizable shops as well as the flagship Fenwick department store.
When it comes to malls, The Metrocentre is the largest shopping center in the North East and one of the biggest in the UK. It’s a great place to pick up all your everyday necessities.
Then there’s Grey Street. It was once voted the finest street in Britain by BBC Radio 4 listeners, and it’s home to a range of galleries and shops.
Grainger Market was home to the original Marks and Spencer Penny Bazaar, and the historic Central Arcade is a treat for the eyes.
If you’re looking for independent shops, areas like Jesmond and Ouseburn are just the ticket. The Biscuit Factory in the latter is a must.
If you want to go on this city break, you can book a hotel in Newcastle here. My top pick is the Jesmond Dene House, an independent hotel with stylish interiors and luxurious rooms. You can book your stay here.
9. Norwich
In Norfolk, Norwich is another of the best cities for shopping in the UK. While it might not seem like an obvious one to include on my list, this place has a lot going for it.
Shopping is one of my favorite things to do in Norwich, not least because Norwich Market is one of the oldest and largest outdoor markets in Britain. It’s a must if you love browsing stalls and finding treasures.
There’s more to the retail scene in Norwich than just the market, too. The eye-catching Royal Arcade blends Victorian and Art Nouveau styles, and it houses an eclectic mix of independent retailers.
And that’s to say nothing of the bookshops. From The Book Hive to Bookbugs and Dragon Tales, this city has no shortage of places to indulge your inner literature lover.
If you’re looking for malls, Castle Quarter and Chantry Place are ideal for picking up everyday necessities from a range of high street shops. And if art is your thing, there are plenty of galleries around the city.
If this sounds like your kind of shopping trip, you can book a hotel in Norwich here. My top pick is The Maids Head Hotel. Said to be the oldest hotel in the UK, it’s dripping with charm and character. You can book a room here.
10. Glasgow
Glasgow is another of my favorite shopping cities in the UK. My grandmother grew up here and I’ve been shopping in this part of Scotland my whole life.
Glasgow is the UK’s largest retail hub outside London’s West End, and places like Princes Square are good for browsing and buying.
This spirited city in Scotland is also home to Buchanan Street, where you can find some of the best high street shops and the original House of Fraser.
On the independent end of the spectrum, Glasgow is known for its lively markets. The Barras Market in the East End is vast and eclectic, with music playing from old radios and rooms full of everything from antique tricycles to rotary phones.
The Hidden Lane is a community of artists, musicians, and creators. It’s set in a jumble of brightly colored buildings tucked away off Argyle Street in the West End’s hip Finnieston. There are around 100 studios here, some of which have shops that are open to the public.
Other popular places to shop in Glasgow include Byres Road and the Parisian-style Argyll Arcade. The latter has the largest selection of diamond rings and luxury watches in a single location in Scotland.
And that’s to say nothing of the gift shops at places like House for an Art Lover. They showcase the famous works of renowned architect-designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his wife Margaret Macdonald.
If visiting Glasgow appeals, you can book a hotel in the city here. I’ve stayed at the Grand Central and I like its convenient location by the train station. You can book a room here.
11. Birmingham
In the Midlands, Birmingham is another of the best cities for shopping in the UK. This bustling hub has everything from historic arcades to malls and colorful creative districts.
New Street is the main shopping street in Birmingham. From the Bullring at one end to the Town Hall and Council House at the other, you’ll find all the high street names here.
If you’re looking for malls, the Bullring & Grand Central and The Square are ideal. The Mailbox is home to Harvey Nichols, and if you want arcades, the beautiful Great Western Arcade is hard to beat. The Arcadian and the Jewellery Quarter are fun, too.
If you’re more interested in independent shops, the Custard Factory is a great bet. Set in 15 acres of restored Victorian industrial space, this creative quarter is home to boutiques, cafes, bars, and restaurants.
If you’re visiting in the latter part of the year, the Birmingham Christmas markets are fun to experience. They take over the city center with their gift-laden chalets each winter.
If you want to go on this getaway, you can book a hotel in Birmingham here. There’s a variety of places to stay in the city center, and my top pick is the Grand Hotel. It’s in a great central location and the rooms are beautiful. You can book a room here.
Map of Shopping Cities in the UK
As promised, I’ve created an interactive map of all the British shopping cities I mentioned in this blog post. You can see it here. If you click on the blue pins, you can find more information and my relevant blog posts about each destination. I hope it helps you plan your perfect trip!
Best Cities for Shopping in the UK
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about the best shopping cities in the United Kingdom and that you get a chance to visit them all someday. They’re fun places to get your retail fix and see the country’s top urban centers at the same time. Happy browsing!
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